Tuesday, October 27, 2015

If you're a Facebook user, you've probably seen those "See your memories" links, which allow you to view all the posts done on a particular day for the past few years. I like to look at the memories, but often I don't remember what I was doing at that time - it's just a cryptic Facebook status.

The other day, however, it showed me the blog post I created back in 2011 when I completed my first ever 5k. You can read it here: Participate in a 5k - Done. I was over the moon when I completed it and I remember being nervous in the weeks leading up to it.. wondering if I would be able to complete it and what if I couldn't? That day after we returned home, we couldn't move and were quite sore.

I've watched my 5k times go from about an hour walking, down to 38 minutes of running/walking.

I've struggled with my first running injury.

I've struggled with finding pants for my already larger thighs. Seriously, someone needs to make a line of pants for women who have big thighs, but a small waist. Going up 2 sizes to fit my legs is not a good look.

So, what's next?

Reducing my 5k time.

Completing at least one "official" 10k next year.

Doubling my year over year kms ran. This one is purely just to see if I can do it. I have until June 30th next year to run 526 kms. Since July, I've completed 117 kms. I'm roughly 1/5 of the way there.

Maybe this is too much, too soon, but completing my first half-marathon this time next year. I would really like to run the Star Wars half marathon in 2017, but I'm not going to have that one be my first half. It's too much money in race fees and airfare for that to be my first.

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

The corgis went to the top of a small hill where they proceeded to roll around on something grassy, not stinky. Gimli would roll and paw at the air, then Merida would pounce over and try to jump on him. Gimli would then spring up and look to run away. It was the cutest thing, it's a pity our yard isn't large enough for them to run and run and run around to their heart's content.

The corgis met a cute Pomeranian at the park. This dog was about half the size of Merida and his fur was nicely trimmed so he looked like a little Winnie the Pooh. I tell ya, if Corgis were not my breed of choice, Pomeranian's would be. I just need to get Mike onboard.... easier said than done :)

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Earlier this year, I came across a posting where an airport allowed people to run a 5k on their newly paved runway. I thought this was the coolest thing ever and I wondered if the Toronto airport would do such a thing.

I googled the runway run at the Toronto airport, where I found that they do hold a race on the runway! The last time, it was in 2014, but they hadn't announced if and when they were planning the 2015 race. I started following the Toronto airport on Twitter and kept an eye out for mentions of the race.

Back at the beginning of the summer, they opened the registration period and Mike and I registered for the 5k and waited for September to arrive.

That morning, it was quite chilly and windy. Not close to freezing, but a little colder than everyone anticipated. We had gone from mild temperatures the previous days to a sharp drop over night.

Once we arrived, we milled around the hangar to keep out of the wind before lining up outside. The one issue I had with the event was the lack of volunteer awareness. Apparently the runners/walkers were supposed to congregate in the hangar for opening ceremonies. They sent 2 or 3 people to attempt to corral everyone in. That didn't work too well so about half of the attendees missed the ceremonies and the safety instructions.

Mike and I didn't let that bother us, though. We were excited to actually be on the runway!

The starting line

My pre-race impatience started up with a vengeance and I was please when we started on our way. Mike had asked one of the volunteers if the wheelchair participants were to line up at the front of the corral so that people wouldn't trip over him. The volunteer didn't know.

On our way

Our plan was to place Mike on the outside of the column and I'd be beside him on the inside. Just long enough for the rush to pass us and the crowd thin a little. That didn't work too well, it seems people have a sort of tunnel vision and if they didn't see you below waist level, then you weren't there. While waiting for the start, people jostled for position in front of us, to the point that Mike would have hit them with the free wheel when he started to move.

Nevertheless, we started the run beside each other.

At the first turn, Air Canada Boeing 767

We ran behind these guys for a while. They completed the full 5k in their uniforms.

Eventually Mike and I split up - he went on ahead - he's faster than I. I stuck to my running schedule in Runkeeper and worked to take pictures when I could.

- 1km run

- .5 km walk

- 1 km run

- .5 km walk

- .5 km run

- .5 km walk

- 1 km run

Yes, that is a WestJet plane making the turn as it prepares to take off

I'm either slowing to a walk for my interval or starting up for my run interval

I completed this race in 39.15. This is the first time I've cracked 40 minutes, and it was 4 minutes less than my last 5k. I am over the moon with this time. Next time, I'm aiming for faster :).

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. In a large bowl, combine butter and sugars with a wooden spoon.
3. Stir in egg and vanilla.
4. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Stir in chips.
6. Transfer to a 10 inch cast iron skillet, smooth top of the cookie.
7. Bake until cookie is golden brown and just set in the center - about 18-20 minutes.
8. Let cool 5 minutes.

Notes:
- I didn't have enough chocolate chips, so I included walnuts.
- The dough becomes quite sticky when you're mixing it and placing it into the pan.